Seuss still making an impact

Last week, we celebrated the birthday of my sister, Deanna. I won’t tell you how old she is, but it seems like schools around the country and world take time to celebrate on her birthday.

It also helps that she shares her birthday with the legendary Dr. Seuss. His name is really Theodor Seuss Geisel, and he was born on March 2, 1904. Everyone has probably heard or read his books over the years.

At Christmas, you may watch the cartoon or live-action movie about”How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

One thing that’s truly amazing to me is how interesting Dr. Seuss’s mind was. He was a master at rhyming and coming up with writings that get kids of all ages to think. His stories have been the subjects of psychological studies. Some have even seen applications of his writing in political and social effects. Even Dr. Sheldon Cooper from “The Big Bang Theory” has even thought about using “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish” to help console his friends during troubling situations.

His writings have inspired many writers and readers around the world. Thus, National Read Across America Day sponsored by the National Education Association always occurs on Dr. Seuss’s birthday. The observance has recently been expanded to the entire week of his birthday.

Local schools and our own Kemper-Newton Library System participated in the event this last week. It’s a fun way to inspire young readers to pick up a book and read.

That’s a lesson that we can all use. Cut off the electronics and spend a few minutes a day reading a book or newspaper.